Fayette party broken up by sheriff's deputies

CUNARD, W.Va. -- Fayette County sheriff's deputies broke up a party of 300 to 400 people in an open field early Sunday morning near Cunard.

Several people fled into the woods when deputies arrived after being alerted to the party by neighbors complaining about the noise, according to a news release from the sheriff's office.

A DJ was set up with "an elaborate sound system," the release states, and people from all over the southern half of the state and from Virginia, Tennessee and Texas were in attendance after learning about the party on social media.

Several misdemeanor citations were handed out for alcohol and controlled substances violations and three vehicles were towed from the scene, according to police. Juveniles in attendance were released to their parents.

"This event was held in a primarily residential area and several area residents were disturbed by the loud music and the general disturbance caused by such a crowd," Sheriff Steve Kessler said in a statement. "Although events like this are relatively rare in this area, this is not the first such incident we have responded to. People need to be aware that events of this nature are subject to regulation and should be held in areas that are open to the public and which are designed for this type of event.

"You can't just find an open field in a residential area and invite a few hundred of your closest friends to come out and party with you," the sheriff said.